An Interview With: Maria Velásquez

I’m a first year Film student at the University of Kent in Canterbury. I was born and raised in Barcelona and moved to the UK in September 2015.

How did you get into what you do?

I’ve always had a fascination for photography but it wasn’t until three years ago I really got into it. Meeting so many fellow creators and artists during my two years in Massana School of Arts in Barcelona really pushed me to explore what I could do with my camera, and I was lucky enough to have friends who were dancing at a professional level, so doing dance-related shoots came naturally to me.

How do you work?

I mostly have the subjects improvise to music they like and when I find a specific movement or pose that looks good on camera, I make them repeat it and try to get creative with it.

As for my portraits, I either go for a walk with my friends and snap some pictures of them in interesting spaces, or I have a specific idea for a shoot.

How would you describe your work?

I would say it is mostly portraits of friends I find interesting, playing with backgrounds and light. I also enjoy playing with Photoshop to create “zero-gravity” images, where the subject is usually floating in the frame.

What is your background?

I studied Arts for two years in Barcelona and then moved to Canterbury to study Film.

Where does your inspiration come from?

I follow many great accounts on Instagram, and try to keep updated on some of my favourite photographer’s blogs/tumblr accounts, which keep the creative juices flowing, but I can also find inspiration in music, art or even poetry.

I find having someone to look up to is what makes a mind creative, aspiring to be as good as a photographer you like is the best inspiration you can have.

Why photography?

To be honest, it is just such a hooking form of art to me, it doesn’t need much more reason to be. Once I started, there was no going back. I find amusing the whole process; capturing the moment, editing, sharing it on social media… It is such a great hobby to explore and ultimately be creative!

What are you goals after University?

At the moment, Photography Directing is what I feel is going to be my next target, but who knows? It is my first year so for now, I’ll keep exploring all the different roles in Film and then I’ll decide which one I enjoy the most. Although, as I just said, being a Photography Director is what comes to mind when I think about the future. It combines what I love into one job… what more could I ask for?

Is there any specific equipment you use?

If I could have any piece of equipment at my disposition, I would have to go with a 55mm 1.4 lens. It is such a versatile piece that creates the most beautiful low light photography portraits and also a great bokeh effect. I use a 35mm 1.8, which works wonders, but I’ll definitely upgrade when I get the chance.

Whats the best piece of advice you could give the readers of The Pupil Sphere?

Always be active, do what you love and push yourself to the creative mind you aspire to be.